Tragedy struck on Monday, October 5, 2026, when a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The aircraft was initially reported to have been carrying 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. However, the NAF later clarified that 25 people – 20 passengers and five crew members were on board the aircraft. According to the NAF, there were no survivors.
The five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the crash are:
Crew Members
- Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
- Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
- Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
- Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
- Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
- Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
- Flying Officer IM Adeshina
- Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
- Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
- Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
- Flight Sergeant James RB
- Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
- Sergeant Ani AE
- Sergeant Izibenikien SI
- Sergeant Alafuka C
- Sergeant Mbadugha AN
- Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
- Lance Corporal Eledan GE
- Mrs Ezeh Nneka
- Godstmine Tarabina
- Joy Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in Igbokoda.